Solid support for sample collection

Abstract

The present invention relates to means for collection of biological samples. Specifically, the present invention provides a solid support for collection, storage and subsequent analysis of a biological sample as well as methods for use of the solid support of the invention and a kit comprising the solid support of the invention.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for collecting a biological sample comprising, applying a biological sample to a solid support, wherein said sample support comprises:
 a dye selected from the group consisting of Alizarin Red, Methylene blue, Reactive blue 4, Alcian blue, and Indigo carmine; 
 Tris HCl; 
 Tris EDTA; 
 SDS; and 
 uric acid; 
 wherein when the dye is Alizarin Red, the Alizarin Red is used at a concentration of about 0.3 to about 3.9 mM, 
 wherein when the dye is Methylene blue, the Methylene blue is used at a concentration of about 0.3 to about 4.0 mM, 
 wherein when the dye is Reactive blue 4, the Reactive blue 4 is used at a concentration of about 0.31 to about 3.14 mM, 
 wherein when the dye is Alcian blue, the Alcian blue is used at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5 mM, 
 wherein when the dye is Indigo carmine, the Indigo carmine is used at a concentration of about 0.2 to about 7.5 mM, 
 wherein the solid support is configured to collect a biological sample, 
 wherein the solid support comprises a cellulose-based paper that is coated or impregnated with the Tris HCl, the Tris EDTA, the SDS, and the uric acid, and 
 wherein the dye is resistant to one or more of colour changes or colour fading, when exposed to one or more of ethylene oxide or ultra violet radiation. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said solid support is chemically impregnated with said dye. 
     
     
       3. The solid support as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the dye is a first dye, and wherein said solid support further comprises a second dye selected from the group. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the first dye and the second dye are selected from Alizarin Red and Alcian blue; or Alizarin Red and Indigo Carmine; or Alcian blue and Indigo Carmine. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said solid support further comprises a chaotrope. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein said chaotrope is a guanidinium salt. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said biological sample comprises a nucleic acid.